President John Dramani Mahama has praised the University for Development Studies (UDS) male football team for bringing pride and glory to Ghana after defeating Brazil to win the 2025 World University Football Games.

The team clinched the title on Sunday, September 28, 2025, with a thrilling 2–1 victory in extra time over Brazil’s Paulista University at the World University Games held in Dalian, China.

Hosting the champions at the Jubilee House, President Mahama described the win as “an amazing feat” that reflects Ghana’s sporting excellence and the potential of its youth. He also announced a donation of 500,000 cedis to the team in recognition of their achievement.

“Trophy that you have brought to Ghana—beating no meaner team than Brazil—is an extraordinary accomplishment,” the President said. “In all your speeches, you did not emphasize that it’s Brazil we beat to bring this trophy home. That’s something truly remarkable.”

President Mahama commended the management, faculty, and students of UDS for their dedication and vision, recalling the university’s humble beginnings as a dream of former President Jerry John Rawlings.

“UDS began as a mustard seed when President Rawlings donated his $50,000 World Food Prize money to establish the university,” he noted. “Today, that seed has grown into a great tree, with multiple campuses and a proud legacy of excellence.”

The President also shared his personal connection with the institution, revealing that his family farm near Yape collaborates with UDS’s animal science department. “Your students come there for practicals, and I’m proud to be part of that partnership,” he said.

Highlighting the national significance of UDS’s triumph, President Mahama said it demonstrates Ghana’s growing reputation in global sports and the strength of its youth development systems.

“This victory is not only a win for UDS—it’s a statement that Ghanaian youth can compete and excel anywhere in the world when given the right support,” he said. “Your performance has inspired millions of young Ghanaians and rekindled our belief in sports as a unifying and transformative force.”

He commended UDS Vice-Chancellor Professor Alhassan and the university’s sports directorate for their commitment to nurturing student-athletes, saying their success reflects the institution’s balanced focus on academic excellence and character development.

President Mahama further announced that the government, through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ministry of Education, is establishing a School Sports Authority to coordinate competitions from the basic to the university level. The initiative, he explained, aims to identify and develop young sporting talents nationwide.

“Sports and recreation are integral to Ghana’s RESET Agenda,” the President said. “They promote national unity, discipline, and social inclusion while creating pathways for youth employment and entrepreneurship.”

He revealed that government is investing in modern sports infrastructure across all regions, including standard stadiums with first-class facilities to support training and competitions.

“The story of your victory—from Tamale to the world stage—perfectly embodies the spirit of Ghana rising through discipline, opportunity, and excellence,” President Mahama said.

He urged the players to remain humble, disciplined, and focused. “Let this victory be your foundation, not the finish line. Keep the flag of Ghana flying high—on and off the field,” he concluded.